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Phenylketonuria
During the year 3,960 regular screening tests of the urine of babies for phenylketonuria
were carried out. Although no tests proved positive, the knowledge that
children may be saved mental deterioration by this means of early detection continues
to be sufficient incentive to the health visitors who willingly carry out the
large number of tests involved.
"Battered Babies" Syndrome
I am glad to say that again this year no incidents of young children with
unexplained injuries have been reported to the department or discovered by departmental
doctors and nurses, who continue to be on the alert.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children intends to set
up a team of social workers to specialise in the "battered baby" syndrome and
following an initial study of the subject, is expected to work in conjunction with
local authorities and hospitals in the London area.
Consumer Protection
The Home Office Circular 93/1967 advised local authorities that the Nightdresses
(Safety) Regulations, 1967, had been made under the Consumer Protection
Act, 1961, and asked that publicity be given to the provisions of the new regulations.
The medical officers, health visitors, midwives and home nurses were asked to
draw the attention of expectant mothers and the mothers of young children to
the requirement that no person may sell a child's nightdress unless it is made of
material which is of "low flammability". These staff were also advised that nightdresses
for adults must either be of low flammability or carry the label "Warning —
keep away from fire and that this was of particular importance for the elderly.
A circular letter from the Ministry of Health dated 8th November, 1967, drew
attention to the deaths of babies caused by suffocation by bedclothes when their
cots slipped off the supporting stands. It also referred to the Stands for Carry-Cots
(Safety) Regulations, 1966, made under the Consumer Protection Act, 1961, which
require that, as from 1st February, 1967, all carry-cot stands sold must effectively
retain the cot in position. The attention of the medical and nursing staff concerned
was drawn to the potential dangers of mothers using stands which do not do so.
Family Planning
The arrangements by the council for advice and treatment without charge
through the Family Planning Association for women to whom pregnancy would be
detrimental to health continued and 22 women were referred.
The council also continues to make available, free of charge, clinic premises
to the Family Planning Association, and 13 sessions a week were held at six local
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